Monday night, during their regular monthly meeting, Cushing Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the purchase of equipment totaling over $350,000. While funds were budgeted in the 2009-2010 Budget to replace a 2001 International, Type I ambulance for Cushing Fire Department, a 1985 front end loader for the Street Department as well as the addition of a trailer mounted vacuum/jetter for the Water/Sewer Maintenance Department, the amount seemed staggering for at least one of the commissioners.
“From my calculations, we’ve just approved to spend over $350,000 tonight,” Commissioner Evert Rossiter said – also noting that these purchases come on the heels of the purchase of 5 new police cars and an ambulance. “In the future I would like to see these things staggered a little more.” He admitted, however, the purchases are all necessary and are monies well spent. “We have to keep up our equipment,” Rossiter concurred.
Funds for each of the approved items will come from the 8 tenths of a cent sales tax approved by the voters earlier this year.
During appearances from the audience, Yale’s Mayor, Pam Coke made a proclamation regarding the recent donation of three surplus police cars to the City of Yale by the City of Cushing – declaring Saturday, Oct. 31st “City of Cushing Day” in Yale. The proclamation expressed their gratitude for the generosity of Cushing and urged Yale citizens to shop in Cushing on that date.
“We are profoundly grateful,” Coke said.
On a similar note, commissioners voted to donate yet another of the surplus police cars to the City of Glencoe for their police department.
“We are glad they are going to a good cause,” said Mayor Henckel.
In the interim City Manager’s report, Steve Spears updated the commission on current projects – the first being the skate park. “The forms are in place,” Spears said. “If it rains on Wednesday, we’ll have to wait. If it doesn’t, we’ll be able to pour [concrete] on Friday.”
Another project noted by Spears – prepping the swimming pool for painting. “It’s been almost 10 years since we last painted,” he said.
Spears also spoke of a recent GRDA (Grand River Dam Authority) meeting he attended. “Revenues are down due to the economy and the cool summer,” he told commissioners, “but the cost of power is going up.” According to the present indicators, Spears said he expects rates to go up in Jan. 2010. “No one likes that.” To ensure the indicators are indeed correct, there will be an additional report from an independent party.
On a positive note, Spears said the shooting range has been completed and contrary to earlier predictions – it will be open to the public – as well as providing a training place for Cushing police.
“The public will be allowed to use it a couple days a week with supervision and assistance,” Spears said. “We will supply the targets, eye and ear protective gear and backer board.” However, a nominal fee will be charged to cover such expenses.
Other items of interest from the meeting:
• Fire Chief Brent Kerr predicts the new ambulance could arrive as early as Jan. 2010.
• Steve Spears said the City may hold another “Shred Day” in the spring.
• The new front loader – perhaps the most used piece of equipment in town – should last many years and is bigger and better than the one purchased over 20 years ago.
• The vacuum-jetter will be used to clean the sewer lines and its efficiency should increase productivity.
• Commissioners approved the construction of upper story housing at 117 East Broadway.
• The owners of a mobile home at 107 West Cypress met the approval of 3 of the 5 commissioners and will be able to remain at that location.
The Commission and General Manager gave special kudos to the staff at the Water Department for jobs well done – often behind the scenes. “When there’s a water main or sewer problem – like during the ice storm – these are the guys who are out there in the middle of the night getting down and dirty.”
City commissioners meet for their regular meeting the third Monday of each month in City Hall.
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